Tell President Obama To Stop Deporting Refugees

By Rudy López/Interfaith Worker Justice

Most people who see the word 'refugees' these days will probably think of the war in Syria, the brash bigotry of some presidential candidates, or the fight between the president and some Republican governors over where to settle Syrians fleeing violence at home.

But just as he opens the doors to refugees from Syria, President Obama is preparing to send hundreds of families fleeing violence in Central America right back into the war zones they risked their lives to escape.

As people of faith and goodwill, we are compelled to honor and respect the inherent dignity of every human being. We challenge President Obama honor the values of his own faith and stop tearing families apart.

As worker justice advocates, we know that immigrants and refugees are the mothers, fathers and children who enrich the fabric of our communities, they are the diligent students and hardworking breadwinners who contribute so much of the work that makes our country great.

These raids are terrorizing communities across the country as families scramble to understand their rights when interacting with ICE. For example, many people aren't aware that they can refuse ICE entry into their home if there is no warrant to enter or that they have the right to remain silent.

This inhumane treatment of refugees of war must end. President Obama has already deported more than two million people during his presidency. To continue this abhorrent record by deporting children and families back to a war zone is unacceptable.

Interfaith and religious groups have called out the Obama Administration for the "hemispheric bias in our refu­gee system" which welcomes some refugees and refuses others. Perhaps it is more politically convenient to accept some refugees and turn away others, but human rights should never be used as a political pawn.

Call 1-888-907-2053 and tell President Obama to stop the raids and stop deporting refugees.